Novak Djokovic has etched his name in golden letters in the annals of tennis. The Serb bagged his 3rd French Open title at the recently concluded event in Paris, thereby becoming the first man to win 23 singles grand slam titles. Coincidentally, he surpassed his archrival Rafael Nadal‘s tally of 22 grand slam titles in the Spaniard’s own backyard, his eternal stomping ground – the Roland Garros. This historic victory perhaps cements Djokovic’s position at the forefront of the G.O.A.T. debate in men’s tennis. But growing up, who motivated the Serb to follow this path of eternal greatness? Who inspired him to fall in love with the sport?

Djokovic answered all such questions when he opened up on the impact of his ‘tennis parents’ after his momentous victory.

Novak Djokovic pays homage to his ‘tennis mother’ and ‘tennis father’ after historic French Open victory

After Novak Djokovic’s French Open victory, the overwhelmed champion didn’t forget to thank the people who shaped his childhood and helped him become the player and person he is today.

During the post-match press conference, he said, “I was fortunate to encounter some very important people.. Jelena Gencic, I like to call her my tennis mother.. She was incredibly big influence on me, on and off the court. She was a true mentor.. But yeah, I think that belief aspect came a lot of course from my parents first and from her, from Niki Pilic, as well, who was my tennis father. I was very lucky to encounter those two people..”

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It was a night of epic proportions for the legendary Serb. After defeating Norwegian Casper Ruud in straight sets – 7-6(1), 6-3, 7-5, Novak Djokovic not only was the first man to win 23 singles grand slam titles, but he also became the only male in the Open era to win every major at least thrice. But however big the achievements, the great champion certainly remained grounded and true to his roots.

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Jelena Gencic gave more to tennis than just Djokovic

Novak Djokovic was just six years old when he met Jelena Gencic, whom he fondly referred to as his ‘tennis mother’, in a chance encounter. Gencic was quick to spot the on-court talents in a young Djokovic and took him under her wings. The rest, as they say, is history. But apart from the 23-time grand slam champion, Gencic is also credited with discovering and coaching huge names tennis stars like Monica Seles and Goran Ivanisevic among others.

Although Gencic, unfortunately, passed away a decade ago, Djokovic’s ‘tennis father’, an 80-plus-year-old Niki Pilic still passionately trains several hours a day, as revealed by the Serb himself.

Therefore, the impact and influence of Novak Djokovic’s ‘tennis parents’ can never be undermined in his cosmic success as a tennis player. And Djokovic, like the champion he is, has been the first person to acknowledge that.

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